Fuel and air

P00EC — Intake Air Temperature Sensor 3 Circuit Intermittent/Erratic (Bank 1)

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P00EC means

The engine control module monitors intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 3 on bank 1. The sensor changes resistance with temperature, and the ECM uses its voltage to adjust fueling and ignition timing. P00EC is set when the signal drops out or jumps around faster than real air temperature could change.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • IAT readings that jump around or look wrong
  • Rough idle or occasional stalling
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Sluggish acceleration or hesitation
  • Hard starting in some conditions

Possible causes

  1. Failing IAT sensor 3 (internal open or intermittent contact)
  2. Damaged wiring: chafed, intermittently open or shorted wires
  3. Corroded, loose or damaged connector
  4. Poor ground or loss of the 5 V reference in the sensor circuit
  5. ECM fault or software issue (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data, and check for other air temperature or pressure sensor codes
  2. Watch IAT 3 live data on a cold engine and compare it with the other temperature sensors
  3. Inspect the sensor, connector and harness for rubbing, corrosion, oil, moisture and a good locking tab
  4. Wiggle the harness and connector with the engine running and watch for reading spikes
  5. Use a multimeter to check reference voltage, ground and sensor resistance against specs for your vehicle
  6. Test the wires to the ECM for opens, shorts to ground and shorts to power
  7. If the wiring is good, replace the sensor and see if the code returns

Common fixes

  • Clean the connector terminals or replace the connector
  • Repair or replace the damaged section of wiring
  • Replace intake air temperature sensor 3
  • Update or reflash the ECM if a software fault is confirmed

Questions and answers

What does P00EC mean?

The ECM has detected an erratic or intermittent signal in the circuit of intake air temperature sensor 3 on bank 1. The sensor, its connector or the wiring is the usual culprit.

Can I drive with code P00EC?

Usually yes, for short trips. Because the ECM may be working with bad air temperature data, fuel economy can drop and the engine may run less smoothly.

How do I clear P00EC?

Fix the underlying fault first, then clear the code with a scan tool. If the problem is still there, the code will return after a drive cycle.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.